High School: Played for coach Chris Bisanz at Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, Minn. ... three-time All-Conference selection ... named All-State senior year ... served as team captain senior year ... named team MVP in 2010 ... played with the Minnesota ODP team from 2003-2008 ... member of the 2011 USA Cup champion U19 St Croix Red Devils team ... U17 Westside FC was 2009 USA Cup champions ... U15 Tonka United team was 2006 MN State Cup champions ... also a member of the varsity basketball team

Personal: Parents are Steve and Renee Kessler ... has one brother, Jake ... intends to major in food science and business ... five-year recipient of Distinguished Academic Achievement Award ... member of National Honor Society ... volunteer at local church, ICA and STEP food shelves and at PRISM

Why Wisconsin?"I have many relatives in WI; it is like home away from home. I love the electric vibe of the campus and the range of events that go on throughout the year. The distance from home is good too; it is close enough to visit but just far enough away to feel like I am on my own."